Dissertation
An examination of the relationship between level of job satisfaction and intention to remain in the profession among special education teachers in two small city settings
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Drexel University
Aug 2018
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/D8GQ1C
Abstract
Special educator teacher attrition has been an ongoing issue in the U.S. for decades. Urban districts face particular challenges with special educator teacher attrition due to high poverty rates and limited resources. Current research indicates that many factors contribute to the high rates of special educator attrition in urban areas, but there is limited information regarding the extent of the role job satisfaction plays in special educator teacher retention. Understanding the extent of this relationship enables district leaders to make informed decisions regarding additional supports that may be necessary to improve special educator retention. The purpose of this quantitative, correlational, explanatory research was to examine the relationship between urban special educators' level of job satisfaction and their intention to remain in their current positions. The central Research Question guiding this study was: What is the relationship between job satisfaction among special educators in two small cities and their intention to remain in their current teaching position? This research was grounded in both Herzberg's motivational and hygiene theory and Maslow's needs hierarchy theory. The researcher used both purposeful and snowball sampling to identify special educators in targeted small city districts in two counties within the same U.S. east coast region. A cross-sectional survey design was used to obtain current information regarding job satisfaction and teachers' intentions to remain in their current position. Data were analyzed using SPSS software to conduct a correlational analysis between the level of small city special educators' job satisfaction and their intention to remain in their current position. Results of the survey indicated that though the majority of participants reported high levels of job satisfaction, an equally high percentage planned to pursue employment outside of their current district. These data have the potential benefit district administrators who are interested in better supporting and retaining special educators, however it is evident that additional research is needed to better understand the factors motivating special educators to leave their positions.
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Details
- Title
- An examination of the relationship between level of job satisfaction and intention to remain in the profession among special education teachers in two small city settings
- Creators
- Megan Elizabeth Burkhart - DU
- Contributors
- Joy C. Phillips (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- x, 124 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- School of Education (1997-2026); Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 8050; 991014632520204721